In a major push towards the proposed Mumbai 3.0 development region surrounding the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu (MTHL) and the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), the Maharashtra government has issued a Government Resolution (GR) approving a comprehensive Land Acquisition and Allotment Policy offering multiple incentives for landowners and investors.
The policy is aimed at streamlining development across the proposed New Town Development Authority (NTDA) area and future infrastructure projects to be undertaken by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
The state cabinet had approved the policy on February 10, following which Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced during the March 6 budget speech that the government intends to develop Mumbai 3.0 as a hub for non-polluting industries such as data centres, IT, ITeS and logistics. The cabinet also clarified that the policy would not create any direct or indirect financial burden on the state government.
Through the latest GR issued by the Urban Development Department, MMRDA has been designated as the NTDA for an area spread across nearly 323.44 sq km covering 124 villages in Uran, Panvel and Pen talukas of Raigad district. Forest areas, Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ) and a 250-metre buffer around Pen Municipal Council limits have been excluded from the jurisdiction.
The policy introduces multiple compensation and rehabilitation mechanisms for affected landowners. “Private landowners who surrender their land through negotiations will be eligible for 22.5 per cent of the developed land back, following the established CIDCO model. For landowners entitled to less than 40 sq.m. of developed land, the government will provide direct cash compensation instead of physical plots.”
The policy also permits land acquisition through Floor Space Index (FSI) and Transferable Development Rights (TDR). “For landowners who do not provide consent, the government will proceed with compulsory acquisition under the “Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013,” said the new policy.
To attract investment, the government has adopted MIDC-style industrial promotion measures. “Investors bringing in FDI will receive priority in land allotment. Eligible investors must acquire a minimum of 100 acres and commit to an investment of at least Rs 250 crore per 100 acres within four years.”
The GR further allows MMRDA to collaborate with land aggregators through EOIs to create specialised growth centres, while a high-level committee headed by the Additional Chief Secretary (UDD-1) will oversee dispute resolution during implementation.
Source: DD News
